SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management raised the CNMI to Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian and Rota at 2 p.m. Sunday, signaling that damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected within 24 hours, with typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more forecast to arrive as early as late Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Tropical Storm Condition III was simultaneously declared for Pagan and Alamagan. Residents of Agrihan were advised to closely monitor the storm’s progress.
Typhoon Sinlaku was located 490 miles southeast of Saipan as of the 2 p.m. bulletin, moving north-northeast at 9 mph. HSEM said the storm is expected to turn northwest with little change in forward speed through Monday before approaching the Marianas, bringing as much as 20 inches of rain between Monday and Wednesday.
Shelters opened at 4 p.m. Sunday. On Saipan, Kagman High School serves the north, Koblerville Elementary serves the south and Marianas High School serves the central area. The Office on Aging on Saipan is available for persons with disabilities and those with medical needs, including wheelchair-bound individuals and those requiring oxygen. On Tinian, Tinian Elementary School is the designated shelter. On Rota, the primary shelter is the Sinapalo Office on Aging and the secondary shelter is Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School. Residents seeking shelter at the Rota Office on Aging may call Valerie Q. Apatang at 670-532-2656.
Residents are asked to use the shelter closest to their home and to bring their own bedding, food and drinks. Pets are not permitted unless they are certified service animals. An ID is required upon entry.
Transportation to shelters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota is available by contacting the EOC State Warning Point at 670-237-8000 or 670-664-8000.
All government offices will be closed beginning Monday, April 13, until an all-clear is declared.
United Airlines canceled all flights April 12 through April 13. Micronesian Air Connection Services canceled all flights April 13 and April 14. Residents were directed to check the United Airlines app and flymacs.com for updates.
A High Surf Warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. April 16. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon. A Flood Watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday morning.
